Recent Article: "Nearly Passivhaus" Trap?

In a recent article on Unlock Net Zero, Kalm Director, Alun Watkins warns developers and clients of the growing trend toward “Passivhaus lite,” “inspired‑by,” or “nearly Passivhaus” schemes - and why they often fail to deliver the intended benefits.

These projects invoke Passivhaus principles in name only - without incorporating the full suite of eight essential principles. That leaves:

• An imprecise or vague project brief,

• No PHPP modelling,

• No strict quality control or certification process.

The result? High performance risk, poor energy outcomes, and ultimately expensive retrofit works.

Alun states on one project case study that didn’t require Passivhaus performance in their contracts that “the rectification costs, to make the homes comfortable and cost-effective to run, amounted to £16,000 per dwelling”.

If your goal is true low‑energy, low‑carbon buildings that deliver comfort and cost savings reliably, only full, certified Passivhaus will do. Partial or ambiguous versions risk doubling down on the performance gap -and may cost far more in the long run.

Don’t fall into the nearly Passivhaus trap.

Read Full Article:

https://www.unlocknetzero.co.uk/insight-comment/dont-fall-into-the-nearly-passivhaus-trap